A CHESTER-BASED company is poised to step in and help businesses across North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside limit the paralysing effects of a threatened nationwide postal strike.

Mail Boxes Etc said it can take over much of the mailing facilities presently provided by Consignia, where workers in dispute over pay have pencilled in industrial action from March 1.

The company said it can ensure the speedy and safe despatch of documents and parcels for companies across the region, collecting mail from premises if required, and delivering it through a large network of established courier companies such as UPS and FedEx.

Owner Ray Barnard said: "For almost all UK or international destinations we can arrange next day delivery at good value, ensuring that North West companies are not affected by a sudden strike.''

Based in Northgate Street, Chester, Mail Boxes is a business and communications service centre, and part of a global organisation with 4,500 branches in 60 countries. It services include a PO box service with 24 hour access.